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The development and impact of primary health care in China from 1949 to 2015: A focused review

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  • Huazhang Li
  • Kun Liu
  • Jianjun Gu
  • Yimin Zhang
  • Yun Qiao
  • Xiaoming Sun

Abstract

High‐quality primary health care (PHC) services are associated with better health outcomes and positive health equity. Providing PHC services to all inhabitants is one of the Chinese government's health care objectives. However, an imbalance between people's increasing health needs and effective health service utilization exists in China. The objective of this review is to identify evidence for PHC development in China and to summarize the challenges as a reference for the future improvement of China's PHC system. Literature searches related to China's PHC were performed in PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wan‐fang databases. Related data were collected from the China Statistical Yearbook on Health and Family Planning 2003–2016, the China National Health Accounts Report 2015, and An Analysis Report of National Health Services Survey in China, 2013. The PHC network and the population's health have improved in China in recent years, with general practitioners as “gatekeepers” who have gradually taken the initiative to offer health services to residents. The limitation of input and shortages of resources and skilled health care providers may restrict the sustainable development of China's PHC system. Therefore, policy support from the government is necessary.

Suggested Citation

  • Huazhang Li & Kun Liu & Jianjun Gu & Yimin Zhang & Yun Qiao & Xiaoming Sun, 2017. "The development and impact of primary health care in China from 1949 to 2015: A focused review," International Journal of Health Planning and Management, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 32(3), pages 339-350, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ijhplm:v:32:y:2017:i:3:p:339-350
    DOI: 10.1002/hpm.2435
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    1. Jiaoling Huang & Shanshan Liu & Rongrong He & Shuai Fang & Wei Lu & Jun Wu & Hong Liang & Yimin Zhang, 2018. "Factors associated with residents’ contract behavior with family doctors in community health service centers: A longitudinal survey from China," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(11), pages 1-16, November.
    2. Huiwen Li & Beibei Yuan & Qingyue Meng & Ichiro Kawachi, 2019. "Contextual Factors Associated with Burnout among Chinese Primary Care Providers: A Multilevel Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-12, September.
    3. Bo Li & Juan Chen, 2022. "Barriers to Community-Based Primary Health Care Delivery in Urban China: A Systematic Mapping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-18, October.
    4. Mengping Zhou & Jingyi Liao & Nan Hu & Li Kuang, 2020. "Association between Primary Healthcare and Medical Expenditures in a Context of Hospital-Oriented Healthcare System in China: A National Panel Dataset, 2012–2016," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-12, September.
    5. Jingyi Liao & Mengping Zhou & Chenwen Zhong & Cuiying Liang & Nan Hu & Li Kuang, 2021. "Effect of Family Practice Contract Services on the Perceived Quality of Primary Care among Patients with Multimorbidity: A Cross-Sectional Study in Guangdong, China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(1), pages 1-17, December.
    6. Xuan Sun & Tao Sun & Yushan Jin & Ya Ping Wang, 2019. "Spatial Organization of Hierarchical Medical Services within the City Proper of Tianjin, China: Towards Efficient Medical Alliances," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-15, January.
    7. Shan Lu & Liang Zhang & Niek Klazinga & Dionne Kringos, 2020. "Evolution of the Output–Workforce Relationship in Primary Care Facilities in China from 2009 to 2017," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-18, April.

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